Oulu to be European Capital of Culture in 2026

It means thousands of events, works and experiences in the Oulu2026 area of 40 municipalities. Culture is already visible and present in everyday life, culminating in the unique Capital of Culture 2026.

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What's in store? Take a look at the Oulu2026 programme!

The Capital of Culture year brings together a huge number of projects, international partnerships and unforgettable artistic experiences. Here are some highlights of what to expect:

Climate Clock & The World's Most Valuable Clock

The works on the permanent public art route are located in nature in different parts of Oulu. The collection also includes a communal piece called The World's Most Valuable Clock.

Fotografiska Tallinn x Oulu2026

Fotografiska Tallinn brings a great exhibition to Oulu. Great photographic art is on offer all year round.

Lumo Art & Tech

The international festival will bring art and technology together in a brilliant way in autumn 2026.

Media art from Kiasma

A media art exhibition curated from the collections of the National Gallery of Finland invites you to Oulu City Hall throughout the year.

The layers of the peace machine

Ekho Collective's immersive work combines art and technology. The work is free of charge and can be experienced from January to December.

Risku - Focus on Sámi culture

Sámi culture is featured in the Oulu2026 programme in a variety of ways. There will be opera, concerts, visual arts and seminars.

Europe's best festivals

The North's brightest festival pearls are presented to an ever wider audience. These are the magic of the whole Oulu2026 region!

Book your tickets for the Oulu2026 party!

Oulu2026 will be kicked off at Ouluhall on 31 December 2025! The Capital of Culture year will kick into high gear, drawing on the best and most colourful elements of pop culture and creating something new. The 100% entertainment show will also be broadcast live on Yle Arena and TV.

KUUMAA, Suvi Teräsniska, soft print, Goldielocks and Ege Zulu are helping Oulu and the 39 partner cities to become a Capital of Culture. More performer releases in September.

Oulu2026 Opening Festival 16.-18.1.2026

The whole centre of Oulu will be transformed into a festival area to celebrate the European Capital of Culture year, as the year kicks off with a city event open to all.

A spectacular package offering a programme for the whole family, together and separately. In addition to the main stage performances, the festival programme is complemented by indoor and outdoor pop-ups, European cities' own venues and a wide range of other experiences. The three-day festival will allow you to attend the opening ceremony at your own pace.